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- Caitlin Clark helps push Fever over .500, snapping record streak (newsbreak.com)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Caitlin Clark shone brightly with 28 points and 12 assists, leading the Indiana Fever to a critical 100-93 victory over the Dallas Wings on Sunday. This win elevated the Fever’s record to 17-16, marking their first time above .500 in five years.
The Fever’s rise comes after a tough stretch where they set a WNBA record by playing 189 consecutive games without a winning record, as noted by the Elias Sports Bureau.
Despite facing fierce competition from Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale, who tied the league record with nine 3-pointers and scored a total of 34 points, Indiana clinched the win. Ogunbowale’s impressive performance from beyond the arc matched her career-best, previously set at seven 3s.
Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, who also had a strong showing with 36 points, expressed admiration for Ogunbowale’s effort, especially as they train together during the off-season. Mitchell’s pivotal three-pointer late in the game extended Indiana’s lead, helping to seal the victory.
Caitlin Clark, who earlier set a personal best with 31 points in another game, praised the synergy between her and Mitchell, highlighting their effective playmaking and shooting. Clark’s earlier performance also included a WNBA record of 19 assists during another significant game before the Olympic break.
Indiana’s playoff prospects look promising, especially with the Wings struggling at a 9-23 record after being hampered by injuries. The Fever are currently enjoying a strong post-Olympic run, winning six of their last seven games, with an upcoming schedule featuring multiple home games.
Indiana coach Christie Sides commended the team’s resolve and performance, especially during challenging road games, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum.
During the match, a critical moment occurred when Ogunbowale was penalized for a foul against Mitchell, which following a failed challenge by the Wings, led to a technical foul against Ogunbowale. This sequence allowed the Fever to close the gap and eventually take the lead.
Other notable performances included Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard of the Wings, and NaLyssa Smith of the Fever, who all contributed significantly to their teams’ efforts during the game.
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- Caitlin Clark helps push Fever over .500, snapping record streak (newsbreak.com)